7/31/2015 Offset Verification Program

http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/offsets/verification/verification.htm 1/2

This page last reviewed April 14, 2015

Offset Verification Program

Background

AB 32 requires regulatory verification of all GHG reductions and removal enhancements used for

compliance in the Cap­and­Trade Program. The Cap­and­Trade Regulation includes requirements

that verification bodies and offset verifiers must meet to be accredited by ARB to conduct regulatory

verification. The Regulation also requires verification bodies and offset verifiers to complete ARB

training and demonstrate competency, through examinations, in ARB’s Compliance Offset Program

and Compliance Offset Protocols.

List of ARB‐Accredited Offset Verification Bodies and Offset Verifiers

An Offset Project Operator or Authorized Project Designee must obtain the services of an ARBaccredited verification body to perform offset verification services. A list of accredited verification

bodies and offset verifiers can be found at the link below.

Accredited Offset Verifiers

Accredited Verification Bodies

Notice of Offset Verification Services (NOVS) and Conflict of Interest (COI)

Before offset verification services may begin the verification body must submit information for a NOVS

to ARB and the applicable Offset Project Registry with which the project is listed.

In addition, the verification body must submit information for a Conflict of Interest Self­evaluation to

the applicable Offset Project Registry with which the project is listed. The Offset Project Registry

must approve the conflict of interest.

Forms to assist with reporting this information are available on the Compliance Offset Program Forms

web page. They can also be accessed on the web page of each Offset Project Registry.

Offset Verification Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

ARB has developed general guidance on the offset verification program. In addition, ARB will

develop Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that will be continuously updated as answers to specific

questions are established. FAQs will be developed for offset verification related issues in general, as

well as specifically for each Compliance Offset Protocol.

Technical Guidance for Offset Verifiers

Coming Soon! ­­ FAQs on General Verification
7/31/2015 Offset Verification Program

http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/offsets/verification/verification.htm 2/2

Other Offset Verification Related Forms

To conduct offset verification services, offset verification bodies and offset verifiers will need to submit

information during verification activities, including NOVS, COI, and Offset Verification Statements.

ARB will make forms related to the offset program, including verification related forms, available on

the Compliance Offset Program Forms web page. They can also be accessed on the web page of

each Offset Project Registry.

Application for Verification Bodies and Offset Verifiers

Offset verification bodies and offset verifiers must be accredited by ARB to perform verification for

compliance offset projects. To become accredited, potential verification bodies and offset verifiers

must submit an application and meet the requirements for education and experience as defined in

section 95132 of the Mandatory Reporting Regulation.

The applications below must be completed and submitted to ARB to begin the Verifier and/or

Verification Body accreditation process. If the Verifier applicant satisfies all the requirements of the

regulation, they will be notified of the dates and times of approved ARB Compliance Offset Program

and Compliance Offset Protocol training classes. Upon successful completion of training, the Verifier

may be accredited by the Executive Officer. Once Verifiers are accredited and the Verification Body

meets the minimum staffing requirements of the regulation, the Verification Body may be accredited

by the Executive Officer.

Offset Verification Body Application

Offset Verifier Application

Offset Verifier Training

ARB is evaluating when to hold the next offset verifier training session. ARB and its contracted

trainer GP Strategies previously offered eight offset verifier training sessions, including four during the

summer of 2012, two in April and November 2013, and two in February and June 2014. Please

contact Stephen Shelby (916­327­8228) for more information about ARB's offset verifier training.

For questions or comments, please contact Stephen Shelby at (916) 327­8228 or via email at

sshelby@arb.ca.gov.